[ST. PAUL, MN] – More than 1,100 Minnesotans used the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program to access over $6 million worth of insulin in 2021, according to a recent report from the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. In 2020, Governor Walz signed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act to help Minnesotans afford their insulin through the Minnesota Insulin Net Safety Program.

“Minnesotans should never be forced to choose between putting food on the table and affording the health care they need to survive,” said Governor Walz. “Despite resistance from the pharmaceutical industry, we’re helping Minnesotans save millions of dollars on lifesaving insulin. The fight continues to expand access to insulin and lower the cost of all prescription drugs.”

“The Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program is available to provide fast, reliable help for Minnesotans who are struggling to afford this lifesaving drug,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “The lives of Minnesotans should never rely on a price tag. Governor Walz and I will continue to put Minnesotans first and work to ensure people don’t struggle to afford the care they need.”

With the price of insulin tripling over the past 10 years, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan worked tirelessly with insulin advocates to call attention to this urgent issue, keep up the pressure, and get the Alec Smith Affordability Act passed through the legislature. The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act is named for 26-year-old Alec Smith, who was unable to afford the $1,300 monthly cost of insulin and diabetes supplies and died rationing insulin after aging out of his parents’ insurance.

For residents who are in immediate need of assistance – that is, have less than a seven-day supply of insulin and will likely face significant health consequences without it – the urgent need program enables eligible Minnesotans to receive a 30-day supply of insulin right away at their pharmacy and pay no more than a $35 copay, one time per year.

For Minnesotans who need longer-term help covering the costs of insulin, the continuing need program supports eligible Minnesotans to receive up to a year supply of insulin for no more than $50 per 90-day refill. Residents can get free help applying for the continuing need program from a MNsure-certified navigator trained to help with the process.

Since the program began, hundreds of Minnesotans have signed up to receive discounts on their insulin, but many more Minnesotans are likely eligible for assistance. The program is implemented by MNsure, the state’s health insurance marketplace, and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.